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- Gedarel 20/150
| Category | Details |
| Type of Medicine | Combined oral contraceptive tablet |
| Health Conditions Treated | Contraception |
| Active Ingredients | Ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms and Desogestrel 150 micrograms |
| Brand Names | Gedarel |
| Available Strengths | 120/50 (One Strength) |
| Available As | Tablets in blister packs. |
| Possible Side Effects | headaches, mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness |
| Manufacturers | Gedeon Richter Plc |
What is Gedarel 20/150?
Gedarel is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and gestodene (progestogen) — which work together to provide reliable contraception when taken correctly.
Taken once daily at the same time each day, Gedarel helps prevent ovulation and reduces the chance of pregnancy. It may also make periods more regular, lighter, and less painful for some users.
What is Gedarel 20/150 Used For?
Contraception: Preventing pregnancy when taken correctly
Cycle control: Helping regulate menstrual cycles
Lighter, less painful periods: Many users experience reduced bleeding and cramping
Gedarel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — condoms are still recommended for STI protection.
How Does Gedarel 20/150 Work?
Gedarel prevents pregnancy in three ways:
Stops ovulation — your ovaries do not release an egg
Thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
Thins the lining of the womb, reducing the chance of implantation
When taken correctly, it is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
When Should I Use Gedarel 20/150?
Gedarel is suitable if you want a reliable, reversible daily contraceptive pill and are medically eligible to take combined hormonal contraception.
It may be particularly suitable if you prefer a lower oestrogen dose (20 micrograms) compared to standard combined pills.
If you’re unsure whether Gedarel is right for you, a clinician will review your medical history before prescribing.
Who Can Use Gedarel 20/150?
Adult women (18+) who are medically eligible for combined oral contraception
Non-smokers, or smokers under 35 years old
Those without risk factors that make combined pills unsafe
Who Should Not Use Gedarel 20/150?
You should not take Gedarel if you:
Have ever had a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
Have certain types of migraine (with aura)
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have a history of breast cancer, severe liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding
Smoke and are aged 35 or over
Are allergic to ethinylestradiol, gestodene, or any other ingredients
Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) and complete the clinical assessment fully before starting.
Can I Get Gedarel 20/150 Without a Prescription?
No. Gedarel 20/75 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
It can be prescribed safely through a UK-registered online pharmacy after a clinician confirms it’s suitable for you.
Alternative Contraceptive Options
Other combined oral contraceptive pills
Progestogen-only pill (POP)
Contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as coils or implants
A clinician can help you choose the option that best fits your health and lifestyle.
How to Take Gedarel 20/75:
Take one tablet daily, at the same time each day
Take tablets for 21 consecutive days
Follow with a 7-day pill-free break (you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed)
Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding hasn’t stopped
If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet carefully, as missed pills can reduce effectiveness.
Active ingredients:
Ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms
Desogestrel 150 micrograms
Other ingredients (excipients):
May include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, and coating agents.
Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full and up-to-date ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or lactose intolerance.
Common side effects:
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Mood changes
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding (especially in the first few months)
Less common but important:
Raised blood pressure
Changes in libido
Skin changes
Serious but rare:
Blood clots
Seek urgent medical help (999 / A&E) if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, sudden vision problems, or severe headaches
Contact your GP if side effects are persistent or troublesome
Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to the pill
What is Gedarel 20/150 used for?
Gedarel 20/150 is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, it is a highly effective form of contraception. Some people also find their periods become lighter, more regular, and less painful over time. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so condoms are still recommended.
How does Gedarel 20/150 prevent pregnancy?
Gedarel works in three ways: it stops ovulation (release of an egg), thickens cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and thins the lining of the womb so implantation is less likely. Taking the pill at the same time every day is important for it to work properly.
How effective is Gedarel 20/150?
When taken correctly, Gedarel is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Missing pills or taking them late reduces its effectiveness, so following the instructions in the patient information leaflet (PIL) is essential.
How do I take Gedarel 20/150?
Take one tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break. You’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed during the break. Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding hasn’t finished.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
What to do depends on how many pills you’ve missed and when. Missed pills can increase the risk of pregnancy. Always check the patient information leaflet for missed-pill advice or contact your pharmacist, GP, or NHS 111 if you’re unsure.
Will Gedarel affect my periods?
Many people notice lighter, shorter, and more predictable periods. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is common in the first few months and usually settles. If bleeding is heavy or continues beyond a few cycles, speak to your GP.
What side effects might I experience?
Some people experience nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, or mild bloating when starting the pill. These often improve within 2–3 months. If side effects are severe or don’t improve, contact your GP.
Is Gedarel 20/150 suitable for everyone?
No. Gedarel is not suitable if you’ve had blood clots, certain types of migraine (with aura), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you smoke and are aged 35 or over. A clinician will check your medical history before prescribing. Always read the PIL for full safety information.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Stop taking Gedarel and seek urgent medical help (999 or A&E) if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling or pain, sudden vision changes, or a severe headache. These could be signs of a blood clot. If you’re unsure, call NHS 111 for advice.
Does Gedarel protect against STIs?
No. Gedarel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are recommended if STI protection is needed.
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